Description
Garlic Butter Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This simple yet delicious recipe can be served as a side dish or a main course and is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meal with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling the pasta)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter and stir.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles evenly and create a silky texture.
- Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the garlic butter noodles immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add Protein: You can top the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to make it a more substantial meal.
- Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to make the sauce richer and creamier.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American